Bible Verse Commentary: Matthew 17:23

Matthew 17:23 states, "And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry." This profound statement comes as Jesus prepares His disciples for the significant trials ahead, especially His impending death and resurrection. Below is a detailed exposition of its meaning drawn from reputable public domain commentaries.

Understanding the Context

The setting of Matthew 17:23 is crucial in understanding its implications. Following the transfiguration, Jesus speaks plainly about His future suffering, death, and resurrection. This moment is pivotal as it reveals to the disciples the core of His mission on earth.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry highlights that this declaration from Jesus demonstrates His awareness of the fate that awaited Him, embodying a selfless acceptance of His role as the Messiah. His willingness to endure suffering for the sake of humanity reflects a profound depth of love and commitment to His mission.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes emphasizes that Jesus’ words serve as a foreshadowing of the Gospel message. The mention of His resurrection on the third day not only foretells a significant event but also assures the disciples of hope amidst despair, reinforcing the message of eternal life.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke examines the sorrow of the disciples, indicating that their grief points to an initial lack of understanding of the necessity of Christ's sufferings. He notes that the resurrection should have brought joy, yet their emotional response shows a profound struggle with the concept of suffering preceding glory.

Key Themes

• Suffering and Resurrection: This verse encapsulates the cornerstone of Christian faith—the death and resurrection of Jesus. It invites believers to reflect on the purpose of suffering in their own lives.
• Foreknowledge and Acceptance: Jesus’ foretelling of His death illustrates His divine nature and acceptance of God's will, invigorating the understanding of submission to God’s plan.
• Hope in Despair: The promise of resurrection provides a powerful reminder of hope and renewal, inviting believers to trust in God’s redemptive power even during challenging times.

Application for Today

When modern readers delve into Matthew 17:23, the insights gleaned can be transformative. The verse encourages reflection on the nature of suffering in the Christian journey. It challenges believers to consider:

• How does the suffering of Christ relate to the trials they face?
• In what ways can they find hope in the promise of resurrection amid personal struggles?
• How can they apply Jesus' acceptance of God's plan to their lives today?

Cross References

• Isaiah 53:5: Foretelling the suffering of the Messiah and His redemptive purpose.
• Luke 9:22: A parallel account of Jesus predicting His suffering and resurrection.
• John 3:14-15: The necessity of Jesus being lifted up, signifying His death for the salvation of mankind.

Conclusion

Matthew 17:23 serves as a profound reminder of the central themes of Christianity: suffering, death, and resurrection. By studying this verse alongside public domain commentaries, believers can gain deeper insights into the nature of their faith, the trials they face, and the hope they have through Christ. Engaging with scripture study tools and resources can enhance Bible verse understanding, leading to more enlightened discussions in Bible study groups and online Bible study.